Ridecamp: [RC] Tevis Ride Press Release

The following is a press release by the Western States Trail Foundation

THE TEVIS CUP 100 MILE RIDE:
A JOURNEY OF MAGNITUDE

    The Board of Governors of the Western States 100 Mile Trail Ride would
like to congratulate all the participants in the 48th annual staging of this
respected and internationally renowned event.
    Of the 216 starters, the Tevis Cup went to first place finisher Potato
Richardson of Greenwood, California, riding Fayette de Cameo, a
half-Arabian, seven-year-old mare raised by Potato. This mare also captured
the Haggin Cup in 2001 when ridden by Cathy Rohm, who married Potato this
May. Potato also won the Tevis Cup in 1998 aboard Fille de Cailana, a
13-year-old Arabian mare he also raised. Potato was awarded his 17th Tevis
buckle this year.
    The Haggin Cup, the award presented to the horse among the first ten to
cross the finish line who is judged by the veterinary committee to be the
most superior in condition and the most fit to continue, was presented to
Bogus Thunder ridden by Hal Hall of Auburn, California who finished in
second place. This year's finish also signifies the awarding of Hal's 23rd
Tevis buckle. Hal captured the Tevis Cup in 1974 and 1977 aboard El Karbaj,
and in 1990 aboard HCC Zarlusko. He was granted the Haggin Cup in 1972 and
1978 aboard El Karbaj.
    The awarding of the Haggin Cup and the Tevis Cup must be ratified by the
Western States Trail Foundation Cup Committee, who takes into consideration
the sportsmanship and horsemanship demonstrated by the rider. The Cup
Committee's role is to ensure the integrity and honor ingrained in the
bestowing of both Cups.
    At the awards ceremony on Sunday, President Dick Nogelberg announced to
the gathering that indeed a tragedy had occurred during the ride and a horse
had died during the night on a portion of the trail between Foresthill and
Francisco's. The rider was not hurt, but the horse did tumble over the
embankment to its death. Gratefully, death came quickly as determined by
head veterinarian Jamie Kerr's examination. President Dick also commended
the rescuers of a second horse who tumbled off the trail almost to the
river; again the rider was unharmed. The horse, although tired and scraped,
did not sustain any long-term injuries and was carefully examined by ride
veterinarians. He was returned by the ride's rescue team, which included the
president of the Western States Trail Foundation, to its owner on Sunday at
the fairgrounds in Auburn.
    Of the 216 starters, a valiant 94 crossed the finish line. Each will
have their own experiences to tell about their quest to travel these
historic 100 miles over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
    The Western States Trail Foundation wishes to express its gratefulness
to all participants, volunteers, veterinarians, Forest Service personnel,
farriers, and all who participate in this remarkable event that takes us all
on a life's journey that is unsurpassed.
    The 49th annual Tevis Cup Ride is scheduled on the Comanche Moon, as has
been tradition since 1955, on July 12, 2003.
    For more information, please visit www.foothill.net/tevis.





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